Greece hit by 24-hour general strike over labor reform bill

ATHENS, Oct. 14 (Xinhua) -- Greece was paralyzed by a 24-hour general strike on Tuesday as workers protested against a draft bill that would extend working hours.

It was the second nationwide walkout in two weeks organized by the country's two main labor unions, ADEDY and GSEE, ahead of a parliamentary vote scheduled for Thursday.

Thousands of demonstrators marched through Athens and other major cities. Public services and transportation were brought to a standstill, while schools and hospitals remained closed.

The government maintains that the bill, which would allow up to 13-hour workdays instead of the current eight, aims to introduce greater flexibility in the labor market and boost productivity.

Labor unions, however, have condemned the reforms, arguing they undermine workers' rights. Enditem